Meet Millie and Mary Taylor — identical twins who are dominating cricket. At only 20 years apiece, they each are just beginning their professional careers and it shows. The sisters, who are classified as “mirror twins,” have fascinated people with their amazing likeness. The differences in their respective playing styles made them unique in their own ways. Millie is a consistent left-arm wrist-spinner and Mary is competent at right-arm seam. It’s what makes them freaks in their respective sports. Today, though, they combine to make one dangerous duo as teammates for Sussex and Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred.
The 35-year-old Taylor was the standout performer in last week’s tournament, finishing as the top wicket-taker. That’s quite an accomplishment for her first year as a pro cricketer. As it turns out, Mary Taylor good-naturedly dreams up and mischievously challenges her siblings’ case to the limelight.
“There was a bit of umming and ahhing because it was so far away. I didn’t go to uni, so I’ve never moved away from home.” – Millie
Yet the path to becoming professional athletes hasn’t come easily. Throughout the twin’s Covid lockdowns, having each other to turn to made the drastic impacts on their mental health and physical capabilities more manageable. They found all creative ways to stay connected. Mary even put together a detailed pros and cons list to help Millie weigh up her choices for a chance that arose with Warwickshire.
“I made her a pros and cons list, and there were about 60 pros, and about two cons. One con was leaving me, and the other one was leaving Mum and Dad.” – Mary
Millie’s contract with Warwickshire required her to relocate from Eastbourne to Birmingham, a move that initially caused her some hesitation.… to go as far away from my family as there is available, which was really hard,” she said.
“And then a contract finally came through and I was like, ‘is there any other option? Has a closer county offered me anything?’” – Millie
Mary Taylor—once again achieving success on her own merits—signed a contract with Hampshire. The sisters are an eternal motivation to each other to pursue their respective endeavors. Mary then flies to the opposite end of the country just to cheer Millie on at her games.
“She was traveling around the country to watch me, and there’d be days where our coaches and myself and my mum and dad and my brother would have to pick her up and be like, ‘no, this is what you want to do,’” – Mary
Sadly, Millie’s first pro season came to an early conclusion when she suffered a broken finger. But even after this huge disappointment, she is hugely positive about her future in cricket.
“I was absolutely ecstatic when I saw my name,” – Millie
That relationship is one that has continued throughout both twins’ careers. The pair met again at Birmingham Phoenix after having faced off while playing for different teams earlier in the season. Their on-field chemistry is tangible and underscored by their commitment to one another and the game.
Millie’s left-arm wrist-spin bowling provides a unique challenge for opposing batsmen, while Mary’s aggressive right-arm seam bowling keeps her opponents on their toes.
“I’ve always been a seamer because I’ve always been, ‘Mills, go down there and I’ll try and take your head off,’” – Mary
United, they motivate future cricketers. It’s their hard work and support for each other that proves success is not only possible, but within reach. Their experience demonstrates the brutal realities of elite sports. It highlights how important those family connections are when facing adversity.
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